![header_waterpedia](https://conservetorch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/header_waterpedia.png)
Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB)
Harmful algal blooms occur when conditions change in a waterbody:
- excess nutrients
- high water temperatures
- a rapid increase in the number of blue- green algae
Excess nutrients enter our lakes from many sources:
- lawn fertilizers
- failing & malfunctioning septic systems
- pet waste
- farms (fertilizers and animal manure)
- sewage treatment plants (Bellaire, Central Lake and Elk Rapids)
High water temperatures have been reported in Torch Lake. Parts of Torch Lake reached 80°F in 2020.
Key Facts
- Harmful algal blooms can harm you, your family and pets, fish and other aquatic creatures, property values and the local tourist economy.
- An algal bloom occurs when there is increased growth of microscopic plants called algae.
- Most freshwater harmful algal blooms contain native blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria.)
- Blue-green algae can, but don’t always, produce toxins called cyanotoxins. A common cyanotoxin is called microcystin.
- It is difficult to tell if an algal bloom is harmful just by looking at it, so it has to be tested. If an algal bloom contains enough toxins, it is called a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB).
- Invasive zebra mussels can contribute to a bloom. Zebra mussels are selective filter feeders. They prefer other plankton over cyanobacteria. Zebra mussels are found throughout the Chain of Lakes.
![wss-banner-wq-algal-bloom-l Satellite view of a well-known Harmful Algal Bloom in Lake Erie Photo: USGS](https://conservetorch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/wss-banner-wq-algal-bloom-l.jpg)
Satellite view of a well-known Harmful Algal Bloom in Lake Erie Photo: USGS
Did You Know?
- Algal blooms are becoming more frequent and larger due to global warming. (Stanford University, 2019)
- In Michigan, algal blooms occur from summer to fall, as the water warms above 65°.
- Most algal blooms disappear on their own within a few days or weeks when water temperatures decline.
- The Elk River Chain of Lakes has been experiencing algal blooms.
Year | Lake | Harmful Algal Bloom | Actions Taken |
---|---|---|---|
2006 | Lake Bellaire | NO | Tested |
2019 | Intermediate Lake | Unknown | Dispersed before it could be tested |
2019 | Six Mile Lake | YES | Tested & treated |
2020 | Beals Lake | NO | Tested |
![elkrivermap Map of Elk River Chain of Lakes](https://conservetorch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/elkrivermap.png)
- Blue-green algal blooms are buoyant and found on the water surface.
![bealslake](https://conservetorch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/bealslake.png)
Algal Bloom- Beals Lake. August 2020. Photo: Trish Narwold
- Harmful algal blooms can be seen by the naked eye as small flecks, globs, slicks, mats or spilled paint in a variety of colors: green, blue, brown and red.
- They may produce a bad smell.
- Golden brown algae, (GBA) are NOT harmful.
Golden brown algae are found on the lake floor.
Golden brown algae are composed primarily of a type of phytoplankton called diatoms not blue-green algae. Diatoms do not release toxins.
Show
You Care
We know you want to enjoy the lake for many years (and generations) to come. So, we’ve put together a list of simple steps you can take to reduce the nutrients, sediments and toxins flowing into the lake and its streams.
![](https://conservetorch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/icon_hearts.png)
SEEK Medical Attention
If you or your pet had skin contact or swallowed water with algal bloom AND ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS: rash, runny eyes or nose, asthma-like symptoms, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headaches, dizziness or difficult breathing-
- Contact your health care provider and/or call Poison Control 800 222-1222.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately if pets or livestock show signs of illness from contact with a harmful algal bloom.
PREVENT Harmful Algal Blooms
Keep nutrients from entering your lake:
- Pump your septic every 3 years.
- Do not fertilize your lawn. Kick the Fertilizer Habit.
- Do not mow your grass all the way to the lake.
- Plant a Native Plant Buffer and Trees between your lake and the lawn.
- Plant a Rain Garden to collect stormwater from around your driveway and any perimeter drain around your house and garage.
- Pick up pet waste within 100 ft of the water and dispose in trash.
REPORT A Suspected Harmful Algal Bloom
- Do not swim, wade or touch the water.
- Keep people, especially children and pets away from the water until advised otherwise.
- Take a photo with your phone.
- Contact
- Michigan Department of the Environment and Great Lakes
800-662-9278
[email protected]
Gary Kohlhepp 517 230-7548 - Health Department of NW Michigan
Dr. Josh Meyerson 231 547 7679
[email protected] - Your local lake association.
- Michigan Department of the Environment and Great Lakes
- Michigan EGLE may send out a representative to gather a sample of the algal bloom for laboratory testing. If toxins are present at a dangerous level, the Health Department will be notified and post water contact advisories.
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